MURRIETA: Burglars tripping home circuit breakers

A string of house break-ins is prompting Murrieta police to warn of burglars who switch off electrical breakers to determine whether anyone is home.

“Once the home is determined to be unoccupied, the suspects force entry … and ransack, looking for valuable jewelry and unsecured firearms,” police said in a written statement. “Valuables, especially firearms, should be well-secured.”

Anyone with information about the crimes may contact the police watch commander at 951-696-3615.